How to Get Rid of Heat Bumps or Rashes

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Credit: iStock.com/MishaBeliy

Sweat pimples, or sweat bumps, are a common occurrence on sunny summer days for some people. They can appear in the sweaty folds and creases of skin where friction is common. Also called miliaria, heat bumps, or heat rashes, they occur when sweat glands become blocked and trap perspiration inside your skin.

Normally, when you sweat, the liquid comes to the surface of your skin to evaporate. When it’s unable to escape, it can appear as a red rash, like pimples or little sweat bubbles under the skin.

The area can become inflamed and cause discomfort and itchiness. Heat pimples, or acne mechanica, may also erupt in among those with acne-prone skin.

Thankfully, most cases of heat rash can be cleared up relatively easily by moving to cooler settings, or through home remedies.

Types of Sweat Pimples or Bumps

There are different types of heat rashes that fall under the miliaria condition. Each has its own set of symptoms, but all are the result of obstructed sweat glands that prevent sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.

The three types of heat rash in adults correspond to the depth of blocked sweat glands:

Miliaria crystallina: These are little non-inflamed white marks that can appear on the surface of the skin. They are essentially little sweat bubbles that easily rupture when rubbed.

Miliaria rubra (also called prickly heat): When trapped sweat moves into deeper, living layers of the epidermis and upper dermis, these tiny sweat pimples form. They look like pimples and can result in a spreading rash that triggers inflammation and redness. They will usually dissipate in cooler temperatures.

Miliaria profunda: In this form, retained sweat will leak out of sweat ducts into the dermis. It looks like goosebumps and can occur during exposure to intense heat. It is uncommon, yet likely a chronic or recurring condition of acne in summer or heat.

Your symptoms of heat rash—such as whether it appears as pimples or hardened goosebumps—will depend on the type of heat rash you have. For the most part, they have similar treatment and prevention techniques.

What Causes Sweat or Heat Bumps?

A number of issues contribute to sweat pimples or rash, and all relate to high temperatures, the friction of objects against skin, and blocked pores.

If you’re asking, “Is heat rash contagious?” the answer is no. You don’t have to worry about contracting the condition from a surface or another individual.

How to Treat Sweat Bumps

How you treat skin bumps will ultimately depend on why they’ve appeared. It could be as simple as eating an ice cream cone or turning on an air conditioner.

Other ideas for how to get rid of sweat bumps include:

Keeping skin cool

Wearing loose-fitting clothing

Taking cool baths or showers when needed, maybe twice daily

Using lightweight sheets/bedding

Moving around regularly

Drinking fluids

Avoiding synthetic clothing and opting for cotton garments

Exfoliating skin

How long does sweat rash last? In adults, it usually goes away within a couple of hours to a couple of days. The above tips demonstrate how you can get rid of heat rash quickly.

Home Remedies for Sweat Bumps

If exposure to cool air, drinking a cold beverage, or removing restrictive clothing doesn’t work, or if it doesn’t remedy the situation fast enough for your liking, here are some home remedies that can help:

1. Ice: Taking a handful of ice cubes, wrapping them in a cotton cloth, and applying to the affected area can reduce itchiness and bring the temperature down. Apply the cold compress until the area is numb. Then pat dry.

2. Extra-virgin olive oil: You can get rid of heat bumps with an olive oil and turmeric mixture. Mix one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and a teaspoon of turmeric into a paste and apply to the affected area. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes and pat dry with a clean towel. This can be done two to three times per day.

3. Aloe vera: If you’re wondering how to get rid of heat bumps on your face, aloe vera might be a soothing option. Apply two tablespoons of gel or extract to the affected area before bed and leave on overnight. Rinse and pat dry in the morning.

4. Castor oil: Mixing one tablespoon of castor oil with a teaspoon of sandalwood can help with heat rash. Keep it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. It’s important to use oil treatments with care because they can clog pores, so make sure to wash afterward.

5. Cucumber: Blend half a cucumber into a paste that can be applied to the skin for some soothing relief. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water and patting dry.

6. Oatmeal: Grinding a cup of oatmeal into a powder and pouring it into lukewarm bath water can help. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes before patting dry.

7. Baking soda: Add one half cup of this pantry staple to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Pat dry.

8. Sandalwood:Sandalwood can help keep your skin cool to both prevent and treat heat rash. Mix it with equal parts water to apply to the affected area to treat a rash. Use it twice daily.

9. Topical antibacterial creams: Topical antibacterial creams and soaps may help to relieve and shorten symptoms.

10. Anti-itch products: Calamine for heat rash, menthol, and camphor-based products can all help with itch. If they are oily, be sure to wash them off so they don’t further clog pores.

How to Prevent Heat Bumps

Preventing heat bumps is possible by making minor tweaks to your day. For some, it may involve maintaining good hygiene or exfoliating more regularly, whereas for others, it may include making an effort to move around more often, wearing looser clothing, or buying an air conditioner.

Some of the easiest ways to prevent sweat pimples or bumps include:

Showering after exercise or episodes of profuse sweating

Drinking lots of water

Wearing loose, breathable clothing

Avoiding synthetic materials

Maintaining a comfortable room temperature

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

Handling heat rash

If you notice what appears to be outbreaks of acne in summer and wonder if you can get pimples from sweating or if pimples are caused by heat, they can be. If sweat rashes aren’t treated, harmful bacteria can seep into the pores and produce pus-filled bumps called miliaria pustulosa.

Sweat pimples and bumps will usually go away pretty quickly—provided they are, in fact, due to heat and friction—and are not much to worry about.

So, remember to stay cool in intensely hot and humid environments, keep your skin clean and dry, and enjoy a rash-free summer with these tips on how to get rid of heat rash quickly.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.